What is unique about hte swahili city states

I know this is late, but while the Arabs and Persians were significant players in the growth of Swahili civilization, the cities were run by a nobility that was African in origin (with possible admixture of Persian or Arab blood). Below the nobility were the commoners and the resident foreigners who made up a large part of the citizenry. Like other Islamic African states, slavery was actively practiced. I hope you found this useful, and if so,please mark as brainliest :P